Hey, my name is Jaliayah James.

I just graduated from Life High School Waxahachie, in Dallas, Texas. This past year has been one of the most exciting and challenging seasons of my life. I’m proud to say I made it through high school, but I know the journey ahead is even bigger — and it’s one I can’t do alone.

After graduation, I made the decision to move to Lake Charles, Louisiana with my family. We wanted a more affordable living situation, a fresh start, and a safer, calmer environment. I’m in a family of seven, and as the eldest daughter, I’ve always had a big role in helping take care of my younger siblings and help assist my parents. We’ve had our share of struggles — financial challenges, But through all of that, I’ve held onto my dream: to be the first in my family to go to college and graduate.

This fall, I was accepted into Houston Christian University. That acceptance letter meant more to me than I can put into words. It was proof that the long nights of studying, the early mornings, and the moments when I wanted to give up but kept pushing forward — all of it was worth it.

However, as exciting as this opportunity is, it comes with financial challenges that are difficult for my family to meet on our own. We live on a very tight budget, and while my parents work hard every day, there’s simply not much left over for big expenses like college tuition. I’m working on finding a job to help support myself once I move to Houston, but I need a small push to get started — just enough to help me take this first step into my future.

I’m only looking to raise about $3,000, and I will need these funds by August 20th, 2025 to secure my spot and be ready for the upcoming semester. This amount will help me cover my initial tuition payment, books, supplies, and some of the living expenses I’ll have before I’m able to start earning an income in Houston. Once I start working, I plan to take full responsibility for my remaining tuition and living costs. I’m not asking for the entire cost of my education — just enough to help me cross the starting line.

For me, this isn’t just about paying for school. This is about changing the direction of my life, and by extension, helping my family. I want to pursue a degree that will allow me to have a stable career, to be financially independent, and to give back to the people who have poured into me all these years. I want to set an example for my younger brothers and sisters — to show them that it’s possible to dream big, work hard, and achieve something that might seem impossible at first.

Growing up in a big family, I’ve learned the value of sacrifice, responsibility, and perseverance. I’ve helped with homework, cooked meals, watched over my siblings, and done my best to be someone they can look up to. I’ve also seen my parents work tirelessly to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. There were times when we didn’t know how things would work out, but somehow, we always made it through. I want to honor their sacrifices by making the most of this opportunity to go to college.

I know $3,000 might not seem like much to some people, but to me, it’s everything. It’s the difference between having to postpone my education and being able to start on time this fall. It’s the difference between feeling stuck and being able to move forward toward my dreams.

Your support — whether it’s through a donation or simply sharing my story — would mean the world to me. Every single contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goal. You’re not just helping me pay for school; you’re investing in my future, in my ability to give back to my family, and in the ripple effect of kindness that I promise to pay forward.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for taking the time to hear my story. Thank you for caring enough to learn about my journey and my goals. Even if you can’t donate, sharing my GoFundMe with your friends, family, or on social media can make a huge difference.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me, and for helping me take this next step in my life. With your help, I can make the leap from a small-town girl with big dreams to a college student on her way to building a better future.